Testing dextromethorphan for treating OCD and related disorders
Official title: Fluoxetine/Dextromethorphan in Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders: an Open-Label Crossover Pilot Study
Run by Stanford University · NCT04899687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing if adding a common cough medicine called dextromethorphan to the usual OCD treatment can help people with OCD and similar disorders feel better.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 65 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 60 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Stanford University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stanford, California) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 20, 2022 |
| Main results expected | April 1, 2027 |
| Study ends | December 1, 2028 |
| Registry record updated | May 20, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT04899687 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates include individuals diagnosed with OCD, BDD, IAD, or SSD who reside in California and can provide informed consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients with bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, or severe substance use disorders, as well as pregnant or nursing women, may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness and tolerability of dextromethorphan, an over-the-counter cough suppressant, when combined with fluoxetine, a standard treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders such as body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), illness anxiety disorder (IAD), and somatic symptom disorder (SSD). Participants diagnosed with these conditions will receive the treatment to assess symptom relief. The study aims to address the inadequacies of current treatments for these psychiatric conditions, which significantly impact mental health and daily functioning.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this treatment could provide a new, effective option for patients suffering from OCD and related disorders.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of dextromethorphan in this context is novel, other studies have explored various treatments for OCD and related disorders, indicating potential for success with innovative approaches.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), illness anxiety disorder (IAD) or somatic symptom disorder (SSD) * Living within California * Capacity to provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Current bipolar disorder or psychotic disorder * Active moderate or severe substance use disorder, lifetime severe substance use disorder * Pregnant or nursing women * Use of prescribed psychotropic medications other than fluoxetine for 2 weeks prior to study start * Having commenced OCD-targeted exposure and response-prevention (ExRP) psychotherapy within 2 months of study start
Where it's running
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Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Peter J van Roessel, MD PhD — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Alessa Gaeta, BA
- Email: ocdresearch@stanford.edu
- Phone: 650 497 2578
Similar studies
Other studies for the same condition or treatment. Recruiting studies are listed first.
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Using caloric vestibular stimulation to improve insight in obsessive-compulsive disorders
This study is testing whether a special type of brain stimulation can help people with obsessive-compulsive disorders better understand their thoughts and behaviors to improve their treatment outcomes.
-
Imagery rescripting treatment for OCD and BDD
This study is testing a new therapy called imagery rescripting to see if it can help people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Body Dysmorphic Disorder feel better and change their negative thoughts.
-
Low-intensity focused ultrasound targeting the subthalamic nucleus for OCD
A short test is being done to see if a wearable, non-invasive ultrasound device can safely and tolerably help adults with OCD by targeting a brain region called the subthalamic nucleus.
-
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for OCD Delivered Online
This study tests a synchronous online MBCT program for adults with OCD to see if it is acceptable and feasible and to explore links between biological markers, OCD severity, and treatment response.
-
Targeted brain stimulation for OCD: test of tTIS on nucleus accumbens
This study tests whether targeted temporal interference stimulation of the nucleus accumbens can help reduce obsessive-compulsive symptoms in adults with OCD, compared with sham stimulation.
-
Anxiety Skills Study: See if video skill training plus therapy helps people with anxiety
This study tests whether a brief video-based skill training can help people with anxiety as well as four therapy sessions, and how durable the effects are over a year.
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.